Carol Johnson, Southern Indiana Business Report
The first day of fall is days away, which means peak leaf-peeping season isn’t far behind.
Southern Indiana doesn’t lack places to view fall colors. With its abundance of state parks, national forest and mix of maple, oak, hickory, and tulip trees, leaf-peepers are treated to a blazing color palette every autumn.
Taking a road trip to see the fall foliage has become a staple on the fall bucket list. The Springs Valley area of Orange County was recently named as a popular destination for travelers during peak fall foliage. French Lick/West Baden Springs was ranked No. 7 in a list from Priceline of Top 10 U.S. Scenic Areas for Leaf Peeping in 2025.
Priceline analyzed hotel searches in regions known for fall foliage made by U.S.-based consumers between Oct. 10-24, 2025.
French Lick/West Baden Springs was the only Indiana area to make the list.
“What an exciting recognition for French Lick, West Baden, and all of Orange County!” said Makenzie VanHoy, Brand Strategy Manager at the Orange County Convention & Visitors Bureau. “It’s always great to see our fall scenery getting the spotlight it deserves.”
Generally speaking, the best time to see fall colors in southern Indiana is mid to late October. Weather conditions are the biggest determinant in whether the foliage is drab, average or spectacular.
According to a forecast released Sept. 3 by AccuWeather, the Midwest will see “vibrant fall foliage” this year, however, Indiana’s colors may fall in the “typical” range.
To get the boldest colors, trees need cool nights and sunny days in September with limited disruption like strong wind and heavy rain to knock the leaves off before they’ve peaked. A late summer drought can also diminish the fall foliage.
If you’re planning your fall foliage road trips, the Orange County CVB compiled a list of a few of the best places to take in the fall colors in Orange County.
- Pete Dye Golf Course Overlook: Sitting on one of Indiana’s highest points, the course offers sweeping views of the hills as they turn red, orange, and gold. Even if you’re not golfing, the clubhouse overlook is worth the stop.
- Patoka Lake: Indiana’s second-largest lake is beautiful in any season, but especially in fall. Guests can hike the shoreline or book a Patoka Lake Wine Cruise to enjoy local wine while taking in the reflections of the changing leaves on the water.
- Scenic Byway Drives: The winding roads along State Road 56 and US 150 make for a classic fall drive, with rolling hills, hardwood forests, and plenty of photo-worthy overlooks, especially near Paoli Peaks and through the Hoosier National Forest.
- French Lick Resort Grounds & West Baden Springs Hotel Gardens: The historic hotels and their landscaped grounds are surrounded by vibrant trees, creating the perfect backdrop for a walk or a relaxed afternoon on the veranda.
Here’s the complete list from Priceline:
Top 10 U.S. Scenic Areas for Leaf Peeping in 2025
- Hudson Valley, New York
- Boulder, Colorado
- Snoqualmie Valley, Washington
- Bucks County, Pennsylvania
- Bretton Woods, New Hampshire
- Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
- French Lick West Baden, Indiana
- North Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
- Smugglers’ Notch Pass, Vermont
- The Berkshires, Massachusetts